The Unseen Works of Irineu Alves Open Gallery in Ponta Grossa

The Irineu Alves Gallery in Ponta Grossa brings together eight unpublished works by the artist from Paraná in a permanent exhibition in the Positive Course, in the city center. The works were produced exclusively for the institution and are inspired by the history and the journeys of the tropeiros, one of the defining elements of the identity of the Campos Gerais.

The visit will be free and open to the public. The proposal is to transform the space into a point of approximation between art, education, history and regional memory.

A native of Castro, Irineu Graciano Alves has a career of more than five decades dedicated to painting and drawing. The artist’s work maintains a strong relationship with Campos Gerais and addresses landscapes, historical episodes and, in a recurring way, the tropeirismo.

Trophic activity played an important role in the economic, social and cultural formation of Paraná and remains one of the historical elements associated with identidade regional.

Eight works were produced for the gallery

The eight works that make up the exhibition are unpublished and were produced especially for the new space.

According to Renato Ribas Vaz, general director of the Positive Course, the creation of the gallery seeks to enhance the artistic legacy of Irineu Alves and bring him closer to students and the community.

"Irineu Alves has a trajectory deeply linked to the Campos Gerais and can transform into art elements that are part of our memory and the formation of the Paraná," he says. According to Vaz, the presence of works produced specifically for the exhibition reinforces the intention to preserve and present elements of regional history.

Tropeirismo and the students’ journey

In addition to the artistic and historical character, the institution established a symbolic relationship between the trips made by the tropeiros and the preparation of students for the entrance exam. The comparison considers elements such as planning, discipline, knowledge of the route, overcoming obstacles and determination to achieve a goal.

“There is a very interesting relationship between the journey of the tropeiros and the journey of the student,” the director emphasizes. The proposal is to make the works also be used as a starting point for discussions involving history, culture, identity and education.

Art and memory of Campos Gerais

Throughout his career, Irineu Alves has also participated in the formation of new artists and the diffusion of the arts in the Campos Gerais. His production is marked by the detailing and representation of landscapes, historical events and memories linked to the region.

For the Positive Course, the permanent exhibition also works as a way to present this artistic heritage to the new generations.

“When art and education go together, we are able to create experiences that remain in the memory and contribute to the training of students,” says Renato Ribas Vaz.

Project also has galleries in other cities

The Irineu Alves Gallery integrates other initiatives of the Positive Course focused on the approach between art and education. In 2022, during the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the institution, the Poty Lazzarotto Gallery was inaugurated in Curitiba, consisting of 18 exclusive works by the artist from Paraná.

Subsequently, Joinville received the Juarez Machado Gallery, with works from the series “Island of Santa Catarina – Sketchbook”. Now, Ponta Grossa has a space dedicated to the production of Irineu Alves and the history of Campos Gerais.

Visitation is free

The exhibition will be installed in the Positive Course Ponta Grossa, in Santos Dumont Street, 400, in the Center. The visitation can be held from Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm, with free entry.

Service - Galeria Irineu Alves

Local: Positive Course Ponta Grossa

Address: Rua Santos Dumont, 400 – Centro

Exhibition: eight unpublished works by Irineu Alves inspired by the tropeirismo

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 7am to 7pm

Entrance: free

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